UK to work with India on low-carbon growth

India is already more energy efficient than China and the US, using less energy in relation to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than either of those two economic powerhouses.

While visiting the country climate change minister, Greg Barker, said: “The new government is determined to bring a fresh approach to the climate debate.

“Last year in the run up to Copenhagen the UK lectured India on climate issues, despite the fact that 450 million people still don’t have electricity.

“It’s now time to stop preaching, start listening and get on with practical solutions which will tackle both poverty and climate change and create real green business opportunities.”

Mr Barker has been in India this week with UK prime minister David Cameron, where he has been promoting the green growth agenda with Indian counterparts.

Both countries have agreed to share experience on trading schemes and help the Indian market channel investment into industrial energy efficiency.

Mr Barker also met non-governmental organisation representatives and businesses developing new solutions to India’s energy security and climate change challenges during his two-day tour of the country.

Among the stops on his tour was the Tata BP solar manufacturing plant in the Bangalore, where he was shown how Indian manufacturers are boosting investment in future green technologies.

An innovative project between the UK and Indian governments to tackle deforestation by looking at restoring forests to the benefit of climate, biodiversity and local communities has also begun.

David Gibbs